As cities undergo rapid urbanization, developing countries have been subject to significant deterioration of their ecosystems, rising socio-environmental issues, and unsustainable management of social-environmental systems (SES). This research focuses on the case of Arroyo Seco, a heavily polluted urban stream located in a marginalized community in the industrial city of Monterrey, Mexico. We aim to understand the effects of environmental degradation in the social and environmental sphere and to evaluate how public, private, and community sectors can collaboratively employ adaptive co-management to integrate ecological and social solutions and support the sustainability and resilience of socio-ecological systems. Through qualitative research and analysis, we identify crucial barriers for collaboration among these three spheres which are rooted in social-fabric damage and a misalignment in perception and motivations around this natural space. We also provide recommendations for structuring an efficient co-management strategy that ensures environmental and social well-being.
